Help!!!!!

JonMay

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May 5, 2021
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Hello, I'm sure there has been many posts like this but here goes....

I'm now looking to re immerse myself back to the world of HIFI, it's been a long time since I've owned any HIFI, (long story but divorce comes in to it etc).

What I'm looking for now is an amp, speakers and DAC (will stream music via my PC on Amazon HD or such like). And I'm looking for some advice / pointers please on what is good, bad and ugly (I understand it's subjective to the listener), I mainly listen to Jazz, blues, vocals, light rock (fleetwood mac etc) and artists like Jools Hollands, my partner has more modern tastes, so would have to deal with "pop" music too. I'm not looking to cause structural damage and would listen at moderate levels not rock concert and I would like a detailed, full sound with good soundstage and presence (vintage amp maybe?)

Room my hifi will be in is a normal sitting room, which is about 27 foot by 16 foot (at widest).

Happy to buy second hand as I have a budget of about £500.

Thanks in advance for any help give.

Many thanks

Jon
 

tinkeringjay

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Apr 30, 2021
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I agree that used is a must with your budget to get the best sound result. You might want a neutral sounding receiver or integrated amp such as a Yamaha, or maybe Cambridge or Arcam. Any of the Classic high end speakers of the past should be just right with your musical taste as they are warmer than the new stuff generally speaking. Even a classic multi-bit DAC should fit your budget and give a solid performance. Look through your local classifieds to see what's out there near you to save shipping costs and dangers.
 
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Hello, I'm sure there has been many posts like this but here goes....

I'm now looking to re immerse myself back to the world of HIFI, it's been a long time since I've owned any HIFI, (long story but divorce comes in to it etc).

What I'm looking for now is an amp, speakers and DAC (will stream music via my PC on Amazon HD or such like). And I'm looking for some advice / pointers please on what is good, bad and ugly (I understand it's subjective to the listener), I mainly listen to Jazz, blues, vocals, light rock (fleetwood mac etc) and artists like Jools Hollands, my partner has more modern tastes, so would have to deal with "pop" music too. I'm not looking to cause structural damage and would listen at moderate levels not rock concert and I would like a detailed, full sound with good soundstage and presence (vintage amp maybe?)

Room my hifi will be in is a normal sitting room, which is about 27 foot by 16 foot (at widest).

Happy to buy second hand as I have a budget of about £500.

Thanks in advance for any help give.

Many thanks

Jon

If it was me I'd look at this first would be this

Marantz M-CR603, which streams audio from PC, Apple and Bluetooth compatible. Above all else, it sounds fantastic for the money. Make them both an offer.

Then...

Floorstanders. These are fabulous as I own a pair, will match the Marantz nicely.

*** down to Richer Sounds if you need a external Dac., something on the lines of Cyp or Dragonfly for less than a £100. They are slightly over budget but well worth it in my very humble opinion.
 
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Deleted member 188533

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Hi. I think both SMSL and Topping do a DAC+amplifier, add a pair of Dali Spektor 1 or Elacs or Wharfedales and you should be set.

^ I'd look here. Something like the SMSL AD18 gives you all kinds of versatility at an almost crazily low price and leaves the bulk of the budget for good speakers.

 
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JonMay

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Thanks for the feedback, must admit this has thrown me a massive curveball in my thinking (not a bad thing).

I had come to the conclusion that second hand would give me better options and better quality of sound. So how would something like the SMSL AD18 (which seems to tick a lot of boxes, especially wife appeal) compare to say something like a second hand Audiolab 8000a or similar?

(sorry my hifi knowledge is very outdated these days)

Thanks
Jon
 
It’s very tricky to advise in secondhand items because the condition, location, seller’s trustworthiness etc are all so variable. However good a product once was, unless it has been cared for and is working properly it’s not a good buy.
If you do your homework you can buy great used Hifi, and then resell at little loss - or even a profit - if you don’t like it.
Buy new, and if you use a local dealer, or a mail order specialist, you should be able to return items.
 

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